The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-25

Rechstag and its rejection Of the septennate
bill. He contended that the different federal
governments of Germany had, by the Constitu
tion transferred the essential portion Of their
rights to the Emperor 1.-THE Emperor" the
Chancellor continued, twas not in position to
relinguish any Of these rights to the Reichstag
especially not to Reichstag which showed
so little confidence in the federal gov
ernment as the body lately dissolved
manifested. The main duty attached to the
rights of the Emperor" said Bismarck, 'is pro-
lection of the empire This duty was also placed
in the hands OF the Emperor by the Constitution,
and not in the hands of either or any parliamen-
tary majority or party leaders. portion OF the
press, commenting on the rejection of the army
GD, represented it absolutely immaterial
whether the measure was accepted for three or
for seven years, but the reasons alleged for ac-
ceptance for three years were unacceptable In
themselves; besides it was impossible
to permit the Reichstag to arbi-
trarily interfere with the ordering of
the military affairs of the empire. Article 60 of
the Constitution which provides that an effect
i've army shall be given the empire by law and
then ordering the mode of granting it, must
be regarded abolished, otherwise it would
have been stated that the grant of an effective
army should be renewed periodically. or pro-
vided for in each budget The government,
therefore, would be fully entitled to demand the
fixing of an effective army in perpetuity. But
the government, wishing for progressive develop
ment in these matters. agreed to accept com
promise for seven years, which, having been
twice renewed, the right of custom has
been established in regard to the
septennate period. A proper development
of the army organization is necessary, in view of
the dangerous situation. This cannot be OBJ
tanned in three years. The conflict is conjured
up by those who refuse to sanction gradual or
ganization, they preferring, at the end of three
years. to jeopardize the Constitution in the eyes
CT foreign countries. 1t makes considerable diff
ference whether an increase of the German
peace effective force is granted for three years
only or for seven. 1t is entirely false to assert
that, in proposing renewal of the septennate
term, we aimed ut monopoly. and the pretense
that we desire great reactionary period can
have effect on sensible people. It is pity
DR.. Windthorst had not been asked to declare on
oath that he would never seek to re-establish the
kingdom of Hanover. Monopoies may have
after heavy war, when all our financial re-
sources are exhausted"
After remarking. ironically, that Alsace-Lor-
raine were needed by the opposition to obtain q
majority in the Roichstag, the Chancellor con-
tinued: ''How can entrust to such major
| ity, for veal or woe, the German empire} Dis
solving the Reiehstag was an indisputable neces
sity in order to attain sounder state of things.
| faith, once more appealing to the people who
| love their fatherland and their fidelity to the
| Constitution. These were the motives impelling
| US. and from them no retreat is possible"
Replying, subsequently,, TO remarks by DR..
| Windthorst, Bismarck said: II hope Dr.
/ Windthorst, as leader of the majority in the
| late Reichstag. will have something to say more
to the point. He has given US a picture of the
future, IN which the only thing wanting is serf-
dom. will frankly give him the information
| for which he asks. There never has been, nor
is there now, any question among the federal
| governments of suspending the electoral law
| The report that there was, was only promulgated
| as an electoral maneuver. DR.. Windthorst stated
| that he considered the safety of the dynasty en-
daneered by the Social Democrats. Why, then.
| does the Center party seek to conclude with the
l Social Democrats permanert allianee4 Most
Social Democrats have only been elected through
| support received from the Center party.
| Even the Pope expressed the opinion that there
was alliance of the Center party with the
| Social Democrats. His Holiness is a man of
| peace, holding conservative views-a fact of
| which the electors of Germany will be made
aware before the elections commence 1 re-
peat" said Bismarck, "we made compromise
| in accepting the septennate term, otherwise we
| might have proposed to fix the peace effective
| permanently"
Bismarck continued: ''Dr. Windthorst used
grand words in speaking about absolute mon
| when applied to Germany. If our opponents in
the Reichstag are really friendly to the empire,
they will not reject our moderate demands.
| Why should regard the members of the Pro
gressist party local kingsa I do not believe
| in electroplated roy alism. I ask, why is every
| thing rejected that is demanded in the name of
| the King, and in the interests of the kingdom!
l regard the final objects of the Progressist party
as anti monarchical and cryptic republican.
| l need not defend myself against tho reproach
| of wishing to introduce absolutism in Prussia
and Germany. am far from depreciating the
| Guelphs' loyalty to their King. have only
| attacked their system of protesting such senti-
| ments to mask other objects. 1 am glad at
having heard this debate. and even confess to
having previously arranged to discuss these mat
| ters here"
Bismarck was followed by Herr Eugene Rich
ter. When the latter concluded the Chancellor
again resumed. He protested against the as
sertion that the government intended to pro.
| pose tobacco or other monopoly. and proceeded
| to denounce the Procressists. He said that in
the struggle in Scheswig Holstein the Progress
ist party was more on the Danish than the Ger
| man side. 1t voted against the imperial con.
sttution and proposed disarmament in 1869. In
fact it had been against everything the govern
ment had striven to obtain, but notwithstanding
the opposition of the Progressists in the end the
government had obtained what it wanted. He
| concluded: II believe we should carry the army
bill because the Progressists are against it."
At the conclusion of Bsmarck's remarks the
House adjourned.
THE ANTI-RENT WAR.